Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday that the state funeral for the late Brian Mulroney will be a “just and fitting memorial” to a giant of Canadian politics.
Mulroney, Canada’s 18th prime minister, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, his daughter Caroline Mulroney announced Thursday. Mulroney died at a Palm Beach hospital where she had been following a recent fall, a spokeswoman for her family said.
“He wrote this country’s history, he shaped this country’s present, and it is right that we all remember him and his family today and for many days to come,” Trudeau said Friday morning. Told.
The prime minister said plans are underway for a state funeral, a special public event for prominent Canadians, including former prime ministers.
“We are working closely with the family to ensure that all their wishes are respected and that there is an appropriate memorial to him,” Trudeau said.
Prime Minister Trudeau said there will also be an opportunity for the public to express their condolences.
Flags were flown at half-staff on government buildings, including Ottawa’s Peace Tower, and books of condolence were placed for MPs to sign.
“Canada is in mourning,” Liberal Leader Steve McKinnon said.
Mulroney was a charismatic leader from Bacomeaux, Kenya, who led his country and the Progressive Conservative Party from 1984 to 1993.
Mulroney pursued politics in a way that won him fervent supporters and equally fervent critics. He is remembered as a gifted orator with an undeniable baritone talent, and as an able politician.
A look back at former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s achievements. He is remembered for his humanity in politics and his commitment to tackling big issues and big, divisive moves on taxes and trade.
As prime minister, he improved relations between Canada and the United States, brokering a free trade agreement. Through his close friendship with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, he pushed for the Acid Rain Treaty to curb waterway-destroying sulfur dioxide emissions and the North American Air Defense Modernization Agreement to better protect the continent from ballistic missile attacks. signed.
Domestically, he pushed for constitutional reform to secure Quebec’s signature on Canada’s supreme law. The effort was championed as a way to unite Canada from separatist movements, but ultimately failed.
He also introduced a national sales tax to finance ballooning budget deficits, privatized some state-owned enterprises, and strongly opposed racial apartheid in South Africa.
Although he was plagued by corruption allegations after leaving politics, he worked to restore his legacy and was known for offering advice to a new generation of politicians.
“Happy Warrior”
News of Mulroney’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences and personal anecdotes from across the political spectrum and around the world.
Former Progressive Conservative prime minister Joe Clark, who served as prime minister from 1979 to 1980, called it a “huge loss for the country”.
“I think it’s fair to say that he was sympathetic to other governments dealing with difficult issues,” Clark told CBC. From his experience, he was not discouraged.” as it happened.
“He was a very cheerful, positive person. He was tough at times and obviously involved in conflict as well as success, but I think he would have liked to be remembered as a happy warrior, and he was happy I think he was a great warrior.” ”
Mulroney used his strong support among Quebec delegates to oust Clark as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party at the party’s 1983 convention.
Still, Clark said he always admired Mulroney’s vision.
“Despite our occasional disagreements, I had the utmost respect for his service to our country,” Clark said with a laugh.
as it happened7:43Former Prime Minister Joe Clark says Brian Mulroney’s death is a ‘huge loss to the country’
Former Prime Minister Joe Clark speaks with As It Happens host Nir Koksar about the life and accomplishments of Canada’s 18th Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who died on Thursday at the age of 84. “Despite our occasional differences of opinion,” Clark said with a laugh, “we’ve always been together.” “I have the utmost respect for his contributions to our country.”
Former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who confronted Mulroney before he retired from politics, said Mulroney had been involved in “a number of controversial cases.”
“It’s better to be involved than not to be involved,” he said.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Immediately after taking office, Mulroney became active within the Commonwealth to pressure the South African government to abolish apartheid, a racist caste system, and release Nelson Mandela, who had been imprisoned for a quarter of a century. The government has begun to promote stricter sanctions. .
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a media statement that Mulroney “holds a special place in South Africa’s history.”
“During his term, he opposed apartheid, advocated for the regime’s economic isolation, and took a stand at a time when many in the international community were unsettled.”
“For us, his death is a great honor for our friend and ally, in a year in which we commemorate the 30th anniversary of freedom and pay tribute to all those around the world who have supported our struggle for freedom. “and democracy.” May his soul rest in peace. ”
US President Joe Biden also praised Mulroney’s anti-apartheid advocacy.
“Mr. Mulroney was fearless and unafraid to stand up for causes he cared about, including advocating against racial apartheid in South Africa,” he wrote.
“I met the Prime Minister while serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and saw firsthand his commitment to friendship between our two countries.”
Former U.S. President George W. Bush said in a statement on social media that Mulroney was “engaging, fun and kind.”
“He developed a very close friendship with my father,” Bush said, referring to Mulroney’s eulogy at former President George H.W. Bush’s state funeral.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and Canadians of Canada on the passing of Brian Mulroney, the 18th Prime Minister of Canada.
Ukrainians will always remember that Brian Mulroney’s government was the first in the Western Hemisphere to recognize Ukraine’s independence. …
Mulroney also praised former President Ronald Reagan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who is waging a bloody war to stop Russian aggression, took time to remember Mulroney’s influence on Ukrainians.
“Ukrainians will always remember that Brian Mulroney’s government was the first in the Western Hemisphere to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991, ensuring that Ukraine and Canada continue to have genuine friendships,” he said on social media. A strong foundation has been laid.”
